This is a cross-sectional study conducted in the region of Catalonia. Data collection was carried out from December 2021 to June 2022. Among the 779 NHs registered in Catalonia, 30 were randomly selected according to size (small <50 residents, medium 50-100 residents, and large >100) and type of governance (public, private, and mixed funding); 25% of residents living in medium and large NHs were randomly selected, while all residents in small NHs were recruited for participation. If a selected resident declined participation, the next resident randomized on the waiting list was included in the sample.
A multidimensional assessment was carried out, considering sociodemographic information (gender, age, duration of institutionalization, educational level, and marital status), Covid-related variables, morbidity, medications, symptoms (pain and dyspnea), falls, dysphagia, delirium, constipation, sensory deficits (sight and hearing), basic activities of daily living (modified Barthel Index), instrumental activities of daily living (ability to manage money, phone, and handling medication), cognitive capacity (Global Deterioration Scale), emotional status, loneliness, social network, the meaning of life, impact of Covid on health and quality of life, and frailty assessed with the modified Frail-VIG index (1). The Minimum Data Set was used to assess UI and FI. A pilot study was carried out in one NH to test the feasibility of the procedures and adjust the instruments. Data were collected through proxy respondents (NH staff) by trained researchers.
For the estimation of the prevalence of UI, FI and double incontinence, 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. In bivariate analysis, the chi-square test was applied for categorical variables. Quantitative variables did not follow normal distribution, so the Mann-Whitney test was used. Multivariate analysis was carried out with logistic regression. Odds ratio (OR) was used as measure of association.